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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color is Clare Benecke's hair?

2. The narrator describes Tom Benecke as a man who looks like he had played what sport in college?

3. What is the nature of Tom Benecke's innovative idea concerning the grocery business?

4. How many stories above the street is Tom Benecke located once he is out on the ledge?

5. What street does Tom Benecke see "stretched out for miles ahead" (28) when he finally looks down?

Short Essay Questions

1. What, if any, direct benefit does Tom Benecke believe he will receive in exchange for his idea for a new method of display?

2. Describe the character of Tom Benecke.

3. How does Tom Benecke feel about the idea of abandoning the yellow sheet of paper at the beginning of the story?

4. Describe the miscalculations Tom Benecke makes when he is preparing to go outside.

5. What article of clothing does Tom Benecke don before climbing out of his living room window?

6. What is the significance of Jack Finney's choice of business field for Tom Benecke?

7. In what way does the outside contrast with the inside throughout the story and for what purpose?

8. For what reason does Tom Benecke feel that he needs to finish his work project quickly?

9. Discuss the use of the sound motif within the first section of the story.

10. What kinds of implements does Tom Benecke consider in his quest to reach the yellow sheet of paper from his window?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about Jack Finney's story "Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket" while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the story's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Explicate the theme of blind ambition within "Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket." What is Finney's message regarding ambition that comes at any cost and how do you know?

Essay Topic 3

Trace the characterization arc of Tom Benecke’s character throughout the story, focusing on Finney’s use of characterization methods and how they connect to his intended messages.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,048 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample